Domestic Violence Leave for Faculty

This policy establishes guidelines for the use of leave to address situations of domestic violence and abuse.

This policy applies to all faculty at Tufts University.

In order to help faculty address situations of domestic violence and abuse, faculty may take up to fifteen (15) days of unpaid leave in a twelve (12) month period to address issues directly related to domestic violence against the faculty member or the faculty member’s family member. Appropriate use of such leave includes time off to seek or obtain medical attention, counseling, victim services or legal assistance; secure housing; obtain a protective order from a court; appear in court or before a grand jury; meet with a district attorney or other law enforcement official; or attend child custody proceedings or address other issues directly related to the abusive behavior against the faculty member or family member of the faculty member. Faculty may take such leave intermittently when necessary. Sick time taken to address the psychological, physical, or legal effects of domestic violence shall run concurrently with the faculty member’s domestic violence leave.

All available accrued sick, vacation and personal time must be used during the period of the domestic violence leave. When all available paid accrued time runs out, the remainder of the leave will be unpaid.

When the need for domestic violence leave is foreseeable, faculty must give as much notice as possible. Faculty may request domestic violence leave through their department or school or the Office of the Provost.